This is an extremely surprising move as Mankins is a six-time Pro Bowl selection and in the discussion for the best guard in the league.

New England has never shied away from trading a player year or two before they their play starts to decline, which is exactly what they did with Richard Seymour and Randy Moss. It will be interesting to see the draft compensation included in this deal.

HC Bill Belichick offered a statement on the decision to trade Mankins:

“Logan Mankins is everything we would ever want in a football player. It is hard to imagine a better player at his position, a tougher competitor or a person to represent our program. He is one of the all-time great Patriots and the best guard I ever coached. Logan brought a quiet but unmistakable presence and leadership that will be impossible to duplicate. Unfortunately, this is the time of year when difficult decisions have to be made – and this is one of the most difficult we will ever make – but like every other decision it was made for what we feel is in the best interests of the team.”

Tampa Bay has been looking to upgrade their interior offensive line depth as they brought in Richie Incognito for a workout yesterday, so I’m sure they are extremely happy to get Mankins.

Mankins, 32, is entering the fourth year of his six-year, $51 million contract that included $30 million guaranteed. He has a base salary of $6.25 million for the upcoming season and will make $6.75 million in 2015 and 2016.

Jason Fitzgerald mentions that Mankins will carry a $4.25 million cap hit for the Patriots in 2014 and another $4 million in 2015.

Former Buccaneers GM Mark Dominik notes that the Patriots will gain over $2 million cap space with this move.

Last year, Mankins rated as the No. 18 guard in the league, according to Pro Football Focus.

Wright, 24, signed with the Buccaneers as an undrafted free agent out of Rutgers last year. He would go on to appear in all 16 games during his rookie season, catching 54 passes for 571 yards receiving and five touchdowns.